Here we are only a few days into our project, and we cannot believe the interest that we've received already!!!
As it turns out, there are a lot more "at-need" projects than we originally thought right here in the immediate area! This is great because we can now start to customize our Green ROV to meet those needs as the project develops.
Another great note: Someone has donated the first parts!!! We would like to thank the companies and people below for donating their time, advice, and support to this project so far.
We have a long way to go, so please spread the word about our cause! Thanks again and we'll continue to update you as we progress!!!
The start of our new undertaking... What was just an ordinary Thursday afternoon, sitting by the pool in the back yard, enjoying the sun and some great conversation, sparked the adventure in two young men's lives.
Andrew Bird and Josh de Monbrun, two Ocean Engineering students, were discussing different projects and ideas in regards to the needs of the underwater world pertaining to the design and development of ROV's (remotely operated vehicles), AUV's (autonomous underwater vehicles), and ASV's (autonomous surface marine vehicles). Sounds like a pretty boring subject to most, but not in the case of these two aspiring individuals.
With expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics, Andrew Bird is no stranger to ROV’s. As a grad student now, he is constantly challenging himself to push the limits of where technology and invention can take us. Josh de Monbrun, with a background in electrical engineering and commercial diving, has also seen his share of ROV’s in the field at work to support him in his tasks under the ocean’s surface.
Amongst the different projects and vehicles that we've used throughout work, school, and study, as well as being tasked to research and design such amazing instruments, the conversation soon shifted to the question of the ability to construct an ROV within the garage. A homebuilt ROV? Of course this has been done before in the backyards of a few enthusiasts, but what about raising the stakes a bit? A challenge for ourselves was born!!!
Task. Design and construct a "home-built" ROV that can:
1.) Overcome pressure to reach a depth of at least 20 meters.
2.) Overcome currents of at least 1.5 knots.
3.) Include video camera, light, SONAR, articulating arm, digital compass, and fathometer.
4.) Be made of material found and available from a local store, or can be assembled from material found from a local store.
5.) Be ecologically friendly by way of utilizing more than 50% "Green" and/or recycled products.
6.) Interface to be controlled by software via laptop, instead of joystick.
7.) All assembly must be done by our hand, all WITHOUT SPENDING A SINGLE DOLLAR!
That's right! A real challenge for the undertaking! To build a ROV, within the detailed parameters, without spending any money on the project!!!
Our goal is to see how hard it would be to create a working, usable vehicle constructed entirely out of recycled and/or donated parts. Of course we could buy what we need in order to build another ROV, but why waste anymore of our precious resources? Instead, let us re-use unwanted and unused parts donated from people and business around to create a stable, successful, and USABLE volunteer ROV that can be utilized for "at need" environmentally conscious causes!!!
We have found a number of state and local projects that are in dire need of volunteer underwater support. Projects that need to be scouted, maintained, or researched, but are not, due to lack of funding. Why not support these needs by creating a vehicle that not only is environmentally friendly, but also supports the environment by filling these programs' needs on a volunteer basis?
So here is the launch of our "Project Green ROV!" Watch closely was we document our progress every step of the way! We also encourage anyone and everyone to contact us for information on donating to this project, and being recognized in support of Green ROV!
